Magistrates warned a drug-driver that he was playing a ‘dodgy game’ after he underestimated how long cannabis stayed in his system.

Michael Joseph Commons, of Hermon, Glogue, pleaded guilty to cannabis possession and driving while over the controlled drug limit when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on November 20.

Sian Vaughan, prosecuting, told the court that the smell of cannabis was emanating from Commons’ Volvo when it was stopped by police in Haverfordwest on August 26.

Commons, 25, tested positive when a drug-swipe was taken and cannabis and a grinder were recovered when the car was searched.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said Commons had not been smoking cannabis that day, and the smell originated from the 6.81 grams of the Class B drug which he had in his possession.

“He had been smoking cannabis the night before and had not given it a thought that it would still be in his system. We know that it can stay in your system for a month.”

The court heard that Commons had been relied on his vehicle to get to work while working as a chef, and would now have to move to a larger town to find work.

Mr Kelleher added: “He has disposed of the vehicle, he is fully aware that he will be banned from driving.”

Magistrates disqualified Commons from driving for 12 months and fined him £120. He was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £30 surcharge.

The chairman of the bench said: “As you found out, even if you do not smoke on the day, it stays in your system for up to a month, so it’s a very dodgy game smoking cannabis and driving at any time if you are a regular user.”